“Such a pity, it seems like there are only regular Poké Balls on the market.” Ryan Ford looked at Little Ethan in despair.

“Bui…” Little Ethan also responded listlessly.

Right now, Ethan’s mindset was: although it didn’t know why it should be listless, since its trainer was unhappy, it would just follow suit and be unhappy too.

Ryan Ford sadly put away the Poké Ball. Don’t forget, Ethan’s evolution branches, Espeon and Umbreon, require high friendship to evolve, and the type of Poké Ball is actually an effective way to increase friendship.

In the games and anime, there are two such Poké Balls.

The Friend Ball, which makes the caught Pokémon immediately become close to the trainer, reflected in a numerical value.

The Luxury Ball, which is very comfortable inside, makes it easier for the caught Pokémon to become close to the trainer, reflected in increased friendship gain efficiency.

Both of these Poké Balls are quite magical, and they’re exactly what Ryan Ford wants, what he wants to use for Ethan.

But unfortunately, it seems that in this world, they haven’t been discovered yet, or maybe they’ve been researched but aren’t for sale.

Poké Balls can be considered a magical tool—they can change size, being palm-sized when large for easy handling, and shrinking to the size of a ping-pong ball for easy carrying. Most importantly, they allow even Pokémon larger than humans to easily enter them. It’s precisely because of this that trainers could develop as a profession.

“Forget it, Ethan, let’s go.” Ryan Ford hesitated for a while and said helplessly. There would be plenty of opportunities in the future.

Most people might not know what Poké Balls are made of, but Ryan Ford did. Poké Balls are simply made from different colored Apricorns or mixed metals, and Poké Balls made from different colored Apricorns have different effects. Those made from mixed metals also have various functions. The most common Poké Ball is the red-and-white one in his hand, which is the most basic in function.

If Ryan Ford remembered correctly, the core of making a Friend Ball is the green Apricorn.

As for the Luxury Ball, he wasn’t sure—he hadn’t paid attention to it.

He also had some knowledge about the materials for other special Poké Balls.

Moreover, things like Berries and Apricorns, although they were only produced in secret realms at first, are now being widely cultivated for profit, so Ryan Ford has a good chance of getting lucky.

“It’s just hard to explain. I don’t even know the other steps in making Poké Balls. If only I could cooperate with someone trustworthy. What a hassle…” Ryan Ford realized that a lot of what he knew was restricted and couldn’t be turned into resources to strengthen himself. The cultural differences between the two worlds were just too great. He might only be able to use these advantages after gaining a certain status.

“Don’t worry, I’ll get you a more comfortable Poké Ball sooner or later.” As he walked, Ryan Ford rubbed Ethan’s head and said.

Next, Ryan Ford planned to take it for a walk.

Many new trainers don’t let their Pokémon start training or battling immediately after hatching. Ryan Ford was no exception. As for training and battling, he thought it should at least wait until the newborn period was over, when the Pokémon’s body functions were more developed.

Although Ryan Ford didn’t plan for Ethan to start training or battling anytime soon, that didn’t stop him from watching others battle.

Unknowingly, the two of them arrived at Pingcheng’s public battle arena.

Ryan Ford stood at the front row of the audience seats near a battle field. He didn’t sit down, but leaned on the railing, watching with great interest. At the same time, Ethan widened its eyes, full of curiosity.

Since the registration for new trainers had just ended, quite a few rookie trainers had gathered here. Some were already battling.

These battles, though clumsy, were very moving to the newcomers, making them eager to join in.

Ryan Ford was a trainer, so he could enter and watch battles for free just by showing his trainer ID. If you weren’t a trainer, you’d have to pay an entrance fee.

However, if Ryan Ford wanted to battle, he’d have to pay—to rent a battle field.

It’s important to note that in the city, if trainers want to battle, they can only do so at public battle arenas or at battle halls and clubs recognized by the Trainer Association. Battling on the street or letting Pokémon use moves without a valid reason will result in punishment, and in serious cases, even revocation of trainer status.

Of course, you can’t just battle in the wild either. Every trainer battle must be registered with a trainer ID, so most battles take place in official venues. These laws were improved later on. Although they’re cumbersome, they make society more stable.

“Bui~”

On the field, after a Bellsprout defeated a Nidoran, Ethan instantly showed a delighted expression, as if it had won itself.

Uh… Ethan is interested in battling?

“Do you like it?”

Ryan Ford rubbed Ethan’s forehead again. He liked this gesture—not only did he enjoy it, but Ethan found it very comfortable too.

“Bui~~” Ethan nodded, but then showed a troubled expression, knowing that when it was its turn to battle, things would probably be different.

“Looks like I was overthinking it. You’re quite clever.” Ryan Ford said with a wry smile.